Ariel Gabay's Bio

Ariel Gabay is a licensed Israeli tour guide and driver with 20 years of experience. Ariel and his wife, Talia Leibler- Gabay, co-own “Down to Earth Tours,” and while Ariel is out guiding, Talia is monitoring the tours from start to finish. Talia and Ariel specialize in tailor-made trips to Israel that are designed to meet the particular requirements of their clients – be they individuals, families, or groups – who want to experience a memorable visit Israel and her holy sites.Ariel was born and raised on Kibbutz Mishmar Hanegev not far from Beersheva. After high school he volunteered as a group leader for his youth movement for a full year in Jerusalem. He then joined the IDF and served as a paratrooper and commander in a combat unit for three years. Upon completing his army service he backpacked around the world for several years. When he returned to Israel he joined the prestigious Land of Israel Study Program at Beit Berl College, where he completed a B.A. and received his license as a tour guide.He began his career with the Reform Movement as a guide for NFTY. After they were married Talia and Ariel were sent on “shlichut” to the United States for four years, where they taught Hebrew and directed and led teen trips to Israel for the Jewish Federation of the Greater East Bay in Oakland, California. Upon returning home, Ariel began guiding for Camp Ramah Israel based in Jerusalem.Now working with a wide range of clients from all over the world, Ariel is fully conversant with the geography of the whole of Israel and has expert knowledge of both Jewish and Christian holy sites. His educational approach in touring the country clearly reflects his love for the Land of Israel and his total familiarity with biblical sources and the dynamic history of the Jewish people.